External Factors: Organizations is a role playing game supplement written and published by Michael Brown for use with Cepheus Engine. As such, it is covered by the Open Game License and some parts are considered to be Open Game Content as a result.
The supplement is available as a 25-page PDF from DriveThruRPG for $3.99 but was purchased at a reduced price during a sale. One page is the front cover, two the front matter, one the Contents and two the Open Game License.
The opening paragraphs explain that organisations have been around for a long time and that these can be encountered in settings and adventures. Referees may need to come up with one on the fly or use a previously published organisation and that this supplement has a procedure for creating organisations that fit with a setting.
The creation process is similar to that for characters, though some things are not rolled for. First, the organisation’s type needs to be defined and there is a list and explanation of the types. Organisations also form the six-digit strong like characters and worlds, though the characteristics mean different things. Once these are created, background skills need determining. The overall procedure is like that for characters. Each term, and these can be variable in length, roll to see what happened to the organisation during that time. There are mishaps, major events and assets to be determined.
External Factors: Organizations in Review
The PDF lacks bookmarks and is long enough that these would have been useful. The Contents covers the major sections. Navigation could be better. The text maintains a single column format and appeared to be free of errors. There are no illustrations. Presentation is plain.
What this supplement allows a Referee to do is come up with an organisation, mostly randomly but with some input, that characters could encounter. The organisation’s assets, influence, reputation and behaviour can all be determined, as well as what their focus and skills are. In terms of time, this will probably be similar to character creation or perhaps a little longer. External Factors: Organizations is a useful supplement for creating detailed organisations for a setting and can be found by clicking here.
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